More than 1,500 were injured in total across the area
A stock image of police at the scene of a crash (generic file image)(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
Fifteen people died following road traffic collisions in Bristol and the surrounding area last year, and more than 1,500 were injured. New Department for Transport figures show there were 1,602 fatalities on British roads in 2024, a slight 1% fall from the previous year.
Some 29,467 people nationally were killed or seriously injured, also a 1% fall from 2023, while there were 128,272 casualties in total, a 4% fall.
Those figures include 15 fatalities in Bristol and the surrounding area, 327 people who were killed or seriously injured, and 1,758 casualties overall. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is concerned that “progress on road safety has stalled”.
It warns that “vulnerable road users now account for over half of all fatalities, highlighting the need for a new approach to road safety”. The figures reveal vast differences across the nation in the number and severity of injuries caused by road traffic accidents, and the worst-affected areas were away from big cities.
Last year, there were 956 deaths on rural roads, or 60% of all fatalities. That compares to 555 fatalities in urban areas, and 91 on motorways. However, in our area there were far more casualties inside the city limits.
Last year, seven people lost their lives in road traffic collisions that took place in Bristol. Another 174 people were seriously hurt, while there were 955 casualties of all severities.
In North Somerset, there were four fatalities, another 73 people seriously injured, and 379 casualties overall.
Four people were killed on the roads in South Gloucestershire, while another 63 were seriously hurt. Some 424 people received at least a minor injury following a collision in South Gloucestershire last year.
You can see how it compares where you live using our interactive map:
RoSPA is now urging government and local authorities to prioritise the implementation of proven safety measures in the forthcoming National Road Safety Strategy.
Key actions include lower speed limits in high-risk areas, targeted enforcement, investment in safer infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users, and renewed public education campaigns.
RoSPA has also called for safety measures such as expanding 20mph zones in residential and school areas.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “These figures are a stark reminder that progress on road safety has stalled, and lives are being lost unnecessarily. It is essential that the upcoming national road safety strategy contains the measures and resources needed to prevent road traffic collisions.
“RoSPA’s recent Safer Lives, Stronger Nation report highlights the need for a joined-up, evidence-led approach, including graduated driver licensing for young drivers, lower drink-driving limits, better enforcement, and safer road design. Road death is preventable, and with evidence-based solutions, we can reverse this decade of stagnation.”